The Best Franco Serblin Designed Loudspeaker?

[SOS]

And your impression? Was it worth it?

 

[justaute]

And your impression? Was it worth it?

I like it. I think there's a noticeable difference. Relative to the base cost, I think the upgrade is worth it

 

[justaute]

I like it. I think there's a noticeable difference. Relative to the base cost, I think the upgrade is worth it

The movement is now even smoother and the footers glide easier.

 

[SOS]

Glad you liked the upgrade.

 

[Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio]

For owners of Ktema, try this: remove the rear panel, (4 bolts hex head only). Keep the front 'grilles' in place, you may need to adjust positioning a little bit.

Offer your thoughts after a few days..

 

[Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio]

Has anybody tried this yet?

If not, stop f**king about and do it.

 

[SOS]

Of course we tried. It throws a broader soundstage but at the expense of less controlled bass and loses some impact. Pluses and minuses but will continue to listen then place the panel back on to confirm. @Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio what did you hear?

 

[SOS]

Hey @Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio so still waiting to hear what you hear when the back panels have been removed from your Ktema's. Curious minds would like to know.

 

[Uk Paul / Z:Axis Audio]

@SOS So sorry for the delay in responding, we had a tech free few weeks which was actually quite interesting..!

So by removing the rear panels, I have a far more resolute speaker. I have always liked the Ktema, but didn't really feel it delivered much in the way of 'gravitas', more of a polite performer although pretty accomplished. I had some discussions with a trusted friend regarding his experiences with subs, and thought it could solve the Ktema's overly polite nature, but wanted to just try this option before brining in new boxes etc. From the first few bars it was quite a remarkable improvement, but the expectation of better bass was overshadowed by the liberation of mid and upper ranges, significantly so too. I previously had never fitted the grille covers on, as had no real need, but there was so much more energy in the upper area I had to fit these in place, and take some time re positioning the speakers. What we have now is akin to a pretty major upgrade; the foundation is far more solid, the textural detail and precision in space is much more apparent, but the overriding feeling is of greater insight into the recorded event, and enjoyment levels subsequently followed suit. My wife was also pretty surprised at the difference, she is not really into music that much, nor cares for SQ, but she could clearly hear why I found this a fascinating discovery. It may have also helped with some development work on vibration damping products, footers and a LP weight & tonearm pod, with subtle variations being more audible which I may have overlooked previously.

So I encourage all Ktema owners to give it a try and make up your own mind; it costs nothing and, IMO, is a serious upgrade. As to why the speaker was designed to have the rear panel, I have no idea.

Best regards,
Paul